This week, the County Executive shares his reasons behind an executive order calling for a six-month pause on permit applications for new data centers. He highlights the County's first use of its retooled Right of First Refusal Law to help protect naturally occurring affordable housing. He updates residents on changes coming with Metro's Red Line construction that begins July 6. The County Executive helps debut the Montgomery County 250 bus design, champions Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and discusses the importance of this week's Black Business Expo. He previews next week's Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, draws a parallel between the World Cup and our diverse community, and offers tips on celebrating in smart ways.
Story Keys:
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will be on a holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of "Juneteenth" on Thursday, June 19.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is encouraging residents to take advantage of early voting in the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election, as a convenient way to cast a ballot ahead of Election Day. Early voting will take place June 11-18, including Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The County will operate 14 early voting centers to provide accessible options for voters across Montgomery County. Residents can also vote by mail or in person on Election Day, Tuesday, June 23. To find an early voting location, voters can text “EV” and their ZIP code to 77788.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reporting a fiber-optic cable connection interruption that is impacting the live traffic view for approximately 450 traffic signals in the southern half of the County. The traffic signals are operating as scheduled, and are expected to continue to operate on schedule, without public impact.
With the potential for thunderstorms this evening, MCDOT is asking that residents report any traffic signal outages by calling the Montgomery County Police non-emergency phone number at 301-279-8000.
Typically, the MCDOT Transportation Management Center (TMC) receives reports when the fiber-optic connection is intact and the traffic system experiences outages. The fiber-optic interruption may span a few days.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reminding residents that Ride On and Metrobus have several routes available to transport voters to the County’s early voting centers. Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election will be held from 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. from June 11 through June 18, including Saturday and Sunday. All Ride On buses are zero-fare for all riders. Metrobus offers various free and reduced fare programs, including the Senior SmarTrip Card for seniors 65 or older and persons with disabilities, and the Youth Cruiser card for students 18 and under.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González joined Montgomery County Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz and Montgomery History Executive Director Matt Logan to officially launch the County's 250th Anniversary celebration with the unveiling of a specially wrapped Ride On bus commemorating the County's Semiquincentennial.
County officials also announced details of a special July 3 fireworks spectacular and highlight upcoming events, programs and activities planned throughout the summer to celebrate 250 years of Montgomery County history.
The commemorative bus, featuring imagery and themes from Montgomery County's past and present, will travel throughout the community as a rolling tribute to the people, places and events that have shaped the County since its founding on September 6, 1776.
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Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will kick off its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Unearth A Story,” with events on June 13 at Damascus Community Recreation Center, June 14 at Long Branch Library, and June 20 at Davis Library with countywide programs that encourage reading, learning, and exploration through themes of dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology. Open to all ages, the challenge invites participants to help reach a community goal of 100,000 hours of reading while earning prizes, books, and raffle entries. Customers can register online or at any MCPL branch, track their reading from June 13 through August 21, and participate in special kickoff events in Damascus, Silver Spring, and Bethesda. Supported by community partners including Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, the Washington Nationals, the Washington Spirit, and Bruster’s Ice Cream, the program promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and family engagement throughout the summer.
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Montgomery County will honor eight exceptional community leaders as 2026 African American Living Legend Award recipients during a special ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Presented as part of the County’s 29th annual Juneteenth celebration, the awards recognize individuals whose lifetime achievements have strengthened Montgomery County through leadership, public service, education, advocacy, faith, business, and community engagement. The free ceremony is open to the public and will be hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and the County Executive’s African American Advisory Group.
The Living Legend Awards celebrate residents whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the community and helped shape Montgomery County for future generations. Following the ceremony, the Juneteenth celebration will continue from 1 to 10 p.m. with cultural performances, educational exhibits, vendors, community activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
 The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has been redesignated by the Maryland Department of Commerce for another 10 years, reaffirming its role as one of Montgomery County’s premier destinations for arts, culture, small businesses, and community gatherings. Effective July 1 through 2036, the redesignation allows the district to continue participating in Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment District program and builds on nearly two decades of growth since Wheaton first earned the designation in 2006.
County investments have helped transform Wheaton into a vibrant cultural hub where residents and visitors can experience public art, live performances, cultural festivals, artist-run businesses, and a diverse culinary scene. Signature events such as HalloWheaton, Taste of Wheaton, the Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, and the TGIF Summer Concert Series draw thousands of attendees each year. The redesignation also reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen arts and culture in the community through projects including Marian Fryer Town Plaza, the Wheaton Library and Recreation Center, and the future Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center, helping ensure that Wheaton remains a welcoming place for creativity, cultural expression, and economic vitality.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has launched a countywide effort to ensure pedestrian signals are functioning properly. MCDOT began the proactive effort with a “Pedestrian Signal Repair Blitz” this spring. At the end of May, crews completed inspections of crosswalk signals at roughly 100 intersections in high-traffic downtown areas, completed 17 crosswalk audio repairs, and replaced 60 faded signs. The approximately 800 remaining County-maintained intersections will be assessed by the end of the year.
Downtown Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton were selected as starting points due to their high pedestrian volumes.
Heavy snowfall and subsequent freezing temperatures over this past winter created large snow piles at street corners across the Washington metropolitan area, damaging some crosswalk signals and toppling several pedestrian signal poles.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants for one business representative vacancy on the Workforce Development Board.
The ideal candidate:
- Holds executive or hiring authority
- Works in one of the County’s in-demand industry sectors
- Provides high-quality, work‑relevant training opportunities
The Board helps guide the County’s workforce strategy, connects residents to training and employment, and partners with businesses to meet talent needs.
Applicants from the recent announcement are already under consideration—no need to reapply. Deadline is June 24, 2026.
 The latest episode of ELEVATE, Montgomery County’s early childhood education podcast, is now available and focuses on practical parenting strategies that support healthy child development and strengthen family relationships.
In Episode 8, “Positive Solutions for Families: Simple Strategies for Family Success,” hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira are joined by Positive Solutions for Families facilitators Saru Nithyanandam and Asia Ewell, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist. The discussion explores how behavior serves as communication, the benefits of predictable routines, strategies for responding to big emotions and ways to build children’s social-emotional skills. The ELEVATE podcast is available through Child Care Support Services and major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify.
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill three private-sector vacancies on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Collaboration Council, the County’s Local Management Board. Two current members may reapply. The quasi-public non-profit organization works with partner groups to help youth achieve positive results.
The Board includes nine private-sector members and 12 representatives from public child‑serving agencies. Business owners, managers, and leaders of civic, community, or religious organizations are encouraged to apply.
Board members oversee the Collaboration Council’s programs, finances, and management, ensuring effective, coordinated services for children, youth, and families. Key focus areas include expanding quality out‑of‑school time programs, maintaining the infoMONTGOMERY resource database, supporting youth in education and employment pathways, reducing juvenile justice involvement, promoting fairness in school settings, and helping families of children with intensive needs navigate cross-agency services. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 17.
 The Maryland Department of Transportation is installing 7.5 lane-miles of dedicated bus lanes along portions of MD 355/Rockville Pike to support Metro’s planned summer Red Line closure between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights from July 6 through Sept. 6.
The bus lanes will be used by free Metro shuttle buses serving riders during the closure and are intended to reduce travel times and improve reliability. MCDOT, MDOT and WMATA will monitor traffic conditions and bus operations throughout the summer and make adjustments as needed.
Regional water and government leaders have launched a $25 million study to identify a backup drinking water supply for the Washington metropolitan area. The two-year “Secure the Source” initiative will evaluate options to provide several weeks of emergency water storage for the more than 5 million people who rely on the Potomac River for drinking water.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich called the study an important step in strengthening the region’s long-term water resilience and protecting public health during emergencies.
Downtown Silver Spring will host a week of live music, dining, and community celebrations leading up to the 17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival on Saturday, June 20.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, with the Silver Spring Blues Week Kickoff Party featuring TNT at American Legion Post 41, located at 905 Sligo Ave. TNT, the twin-guitar duo of Linwood Taylor and Michael Tash, will perform with Dean Dalton on bass and Joe Wells on drums. Advance tickets are $17, and proceeds will benefit the Silver Spring Blues Festival.
On Sunday, June 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse will host a Blues Sunday Supper featuring internationally acclaimed pianist and entertainer Daryl Davis, saxophonist Seth Kibel, and vocalist Deletta Gillespie. Reservations are required.
The week will conclude with the free 17th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, in Downtown Silver Spring. The festival lineup includes Mud Morganfield, son of Muddy Waters, Daryl Davis, Tommy Lepson & Soul Crackers, and many other performers. Advance registration is encouraged.
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The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' Mobile Health Clinic works to reduce health disparities and expand access to care by traveling throughout the County to provide integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and human services to underserved and vulnerable communities. The Mobile Health Clinic operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are required. Patients are seen in the order they arrive, based on service availability and clinical capacity, and wait times may vary.
Montgomery County residents, with or without health insurance, are eligible for services. Patients should bring a photo ID and proof of Montgomery County residency, such as a government-issued ID, a recent mailing with a current address, or a lease or landlord affidavit. The clinic provides services at multiple locations throughout the county, including Montgomery County Service Consolidation Hubs, with dates, times, and locations varying weekly. To view the June 2026 Mobile Health Clinic schedule, visit the County website for the latest information.
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Job seekers are invited to participate in the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. The free online event will connect participants with age-friendly employers throughout the region and provide information about new tools and strategies for finding employment opportunities. Each Expo features employers seeking full-time and part-time employees, and employers with at least three job openings are encouraged to participate. Morning workshops will include “Creating a Resume to Reach a Human — Moving Your Resume Beyond Applicant Tracking Systems,” presented by Debra Steppel, president and founder of Essays Plus More, and “Your Message Matters: A Purpose-Driven Approach to Career Transition,” presented by Kimberly Murphy of Coaching and Consulting, LLC. Afternoon sessions will feature local employers discussing their companies and available positions, and answering questions via the online chat. Although the Expo is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., organizers may extend the event to accommodate all participants. The next Expo is scheduled for September 2026.
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Join Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) for a series of inspiring author talks and book signings featuring Maryland writers and storytellers Jason G. Green, D. Watkins, and Devin Allen. Through memoir, journalism, literature, and photography, these acclaimed speakers explore themes of resilience, community, identity, social justice, and activism. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about their creative journeys, public service, and award-winning work, while engaging with powerful stories that illuminate history, culture, and the experiences that shape our communities.
Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection will host a free virtual webinar, “Closing the Loop: Reuse and Recycling at Your Business,” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17. The session is designed to help businesses reduce waste, save resources and improve sustainability practices through material reuse, surplus item donation and sustainable packaging strategies.
Topics will include reusable food service ware, online marketplaces for excess materials, construction and demolition recycling opportunities and other waste reduction programs available to businesses. The webinar will be held on Zoom, and registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided to registered participants.
The MoCo Pride Center is now accepting sign-ups for its “Open Hearts Open Mic” event taking place Saturday, June 20. Local performers ages 14 and older are invited to showcase their talents, including poetry, music, comedy, and dance.
Performances will be divided into two age groups: ages 14-21 and ages 21 and older. Audience members will vote for top performers in each category, with winners receiving prizes.
Each performer will have approximately five minutes to perform.
 The Pike District Partnership has announced the return of its “Summer in the Park” event series at the Pike District Pop-Up Park in North Bethesda, offering an expanded lineup of free community programming from June through September. The annual series will feature live entertainment, fitness classes, family-friendly activities, and community events designed to bring residents together throughout the summer. New additions this year include a family fun night with games and activities for children on July 2, a cornhole tournament with prizes for competing teams, and a music trivia night. Additional programming will include live music and entertainment, the Dog Days of Summer event, interactive games and community activities, Saturday morning yoga sessions, and Salsa in the Park every Friday in September.
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Montgomery Parks is offering Indigo in the Park, a hands-on workshop series where participants can create custom scarves and bandanas using natural indigo dye. Beginning Monday, June 22, and continuing throughout the summer, the one-day workshops will explore a traditional Japanese dyeing technique while highlighting how cultures around the world have used indigo for centuries. Sessions will be held outdoors and inside the activity building at Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park, located at 500 Sligo Ave. in Silver Spring. The $140 registration fee includes all materials, including a scarf, bandana, and indigo dye. Registration is now open through ActiveMontgomery.
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Explore local history and culture during the 27th Annual Heritage Days weekend from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. More than 30 museums, parks, and historic sites will offer free admission, exhibits, live music, demonstrations, and family‑friendly activities highlighting the people and places that shaped Montgomery County.
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